Connectivity is levelling the playing field for small businesses in UK creative sector

Half of the small businesses in the UK’s fiercely competitive creative industries say communications technologies can help them compete more effectively with larger rivals, according to research from Vodafone.

The study of 500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK creative industry revealed that 40% produce their best ideas and work “on the go” and 38% share most of their creative ideas and work digitally rather than in person.

Vodafone said this points to a sector increasingly relying on connectivity to drive productivity. Reliable connectivity (41%) and faster internet speeds (40%) were highlighted in the survey as key to unlocking creativity.

Technology was also seen as set to play a crucial role as creative sectors further embrace digital transformation, with fashion businesses in particular forecasting that technology will transform the sector in the next five years (60%). But although almost three-quarters of the businesses thought technology brings positive change, 42% felt the sector lags behind others in adopting and using new technologies.

Anne Sheehan, enterprise director at Vodafone UK, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see that smaller businesses in the creative industries are increasingly competitive, due in part to technology. They rely on tech in many ways – to communicate ideas, to seek inspiration and to enable flexible working.

“But they tell us they are not IT experts and need help to gain maximum benefit – which is where trusted technology partners can play a role.”